Air Fryer French Fries–I have to be honest with you. I was not going even to post this recipe. The recipe was so, so good, I had to put on the website! It is by far the easiest and simplest way to make golden delicious French fries.
They do not look like much, but they are fabulous. And I have eaten a lot of french fries in my time. By the time I got to dinner, my kids had already inhaled about half of them. This is what was left. And I made 2 batches, 2.
You will notice, I use Fry Seasoning on my French Fires, everyone always asks me. I love the flavor, I purchased a bottle back I tried it at a restaurant in North Carolina. They had seasoned fries and they were amazing, so if you are looking a simple way to perfectly season them. Pick up a bottle.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold are good choices)
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Peel the potatoes if desired (some people prefer leaving the skin on for added texture and flavor).
- Cut the potatoes into uniform sticks, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for this purpose. Make sure they’re of consistent size for even cooking.
- Soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
- Frying:
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to around 325°F (160°C). You’ll need enough oil to completely submerge the fries.
- Drain the soaked potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Carefully add a handful of potatoes to the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries.
- Fry the potatoes for about 4-5 minutes, or until they’re just starting to turn golden but still soft.
- Remove the partially cooked fries from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining potatoes, working in batches.
- Second Fry (Optional for Extra Crispiness):
- Once all the potatoes have been par-fried, increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Working in small batches again, carefully add the par-fried potatoes back into the hot oil.
- Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fries from the oil and drain them on fresh paper towels. Immediately sprinkle with salt while they’re still hot.
- Serve:
- Transfer the crispy French fries to a serving platter or bowl.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, aioli, or mayonnaise.
Notes:
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the traditional choice for French fries due to their high starch content, which helps achieve a fluffy interior. However, Yukon Gold potatoes can also produce excellent results with a slightly creamier texture.
- Oil: Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying. These oils can withstand the high temperatures required for deep-frying without imparting unwanted flavors to the fries.
- Cutting: Cutting the potatoes into uniform shapes ensures even cooking. You can experiment with different thicknesses and shapes to find your preferred style of fries.
- Soaking: Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, which can prevent the fries from becoming overly browned and soggy during frying. It also helps create a crispier exterior.
- Double-Frying: While optional, double-frying the French fries (par-frying followed by a final fry at a higher temperature) is a common technique used to achieve an extra-crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your fries with salt immediately after frying while they’re still hot. This ensures that the salt adheres well to the surface of the fries, enhancing their flavor.
With these tips and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to make delicious homemade French fries that rival those from your favorite restaurant!
